John Higdon, Matthews mayor candidate, answers our questions

Name: John Higdon

Age: 62

Campaign website or social media page: MayorHigdon.com

Occupation: Professional Engineer - Director of Standards Development at IAPMO

Education: B.S. Aerospace Engineering (NCSU)

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

I have served three terms as commissioner (two as mayor pro tem) and three terms as Matthews mayor.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement

Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization

Former Ashley Creek HOA President

Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Member

Metropolitan Transit Commission

NCSU Caldwell Fellows Leadership Development Program

Boy Scouts of America Volunteer

Charlotte Mecklenburg School System Proctor and Speaker

Matthews Appearance and Tree Board

Matthews Athletic Recreation Association Bat and Ball Board Member and Coach

Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee

Matthews United Methodist Church

What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?

Public safety is our top priority. I’ve supported strong police and fire departments, employee retention, and the debt-free, on-time delivery of Fire Station #3. We must insist that our few remaining large tracts of land be developed as walkable, well-landscaped, functional neighborhoods. Providing attainable housing also remains a key focus, and an area we have made great strides in under my leadership. Preserving our small-town charm while supporting thoughtful growth remains a key priority.

How should Matthews handle residential, commercial and industrial development? Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs? If so, what?

Since 2021, our Board approved 2,042 housing units — just over 400 per year — while 2,199 units were denied or withdrawn, meaning less than half were approved. Since 2024, only 163 residential units were approved. We’ve been selective, approving only top-quality developments. Commercial growth is strong as witnessed by our vibrant downtown, and industrial expansion is coming soon. No changes to our rules or ordinances are needed.

Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?

I believe our next town manager must demonstrate integrity, strong communication skills, transparency, leadership, adaptability, fiscal expertise and strategic thinking. He or she must be equipped to handle the many challenges that will inevitably arise.

The General Assembly has given Mecklenburg County permission to put a referendum on the ballot to raise the county’s sales tax to fund road, rail and bus projects. Will you vote in favor of the referendum? Why or why not?

I oppose the referendum for several reasons: it doesn’t bring the long anticipated light rail to Matthews, remarkably prioritizing Iredell County instead, locks 20% of funds into buses for 30 years regardless of need, imposes one of the largest tax hikes in Matthews history — costing median households $275–$300 more per year — and risks driving away local business patronage due to imposing the highest sales tax in the state. The tax guarantees we will not get light rail here for 3 decades.

What separates you from your opponent(s)?

Experience. A registered Professional Engineer and certified Six-Sigma Blackbelt, I bring extensive experience in business ownership, product and process design, and engineering & quality assurance management — skills that have served me well in my role as mayor. I’ve had the honor of serving the residents of Matthews for six terms — first as commissioner, then two terms as mayor pro tem, and for the past six years mayor. My opponent has served one term as a commissioner.

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

Though Matthews spans just 17.2 square miles and is largely developed, under my leadership we still were able to add 54 acres of new parkland, and also significantly expand our network of greenways and trails. Of all our achievements, preserving what was here before and securing greenspace and a tree canopy for current and future generations to enjoy brings me the greatest satisfaction.

Mary Ramsey

The Charlotte Observer

Mary Ramsey is the local government accountability reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she studied journalism at the University of South Carolina and has also worked in Phoenix, Arizona and Louisville, Kentucky. Support my work with a digital subscription